In this dynamic world, familiarity with technology has become an essential skill. In keeping with the vision of promoting digital education in rural India, Electrosteel Castings Limited a pioneer in manufacturing of Ductile Iron Pipes and Fittings in India recently initiated a Computer Literacy Training under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to empower students residing in villages around Srikalahasthi in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. ECL-Srikalahasthi, conducted Computer Literacy Programmes for around 140 students at Zilla Parishad (ZP) High School, Thondamanadu village, Tirupati district, for classes 6 to 9 students from June 2022 to April 2023. The training programme has been envisaged as a continuous CSR activity to be conducted year-round in different schools in Tirupati district. The next training programme will be conducted at ZP High School on 23-24 at Rachagunneri village, where 200–250 students are studying. The school is currently catering to students from 6 villages in Tirupati district.
Electrosteel set up the computer learning infrastructure with desktops at ZP High School along with identifying trainers from Softline Institute of Computer Education from Srikalahasthi. Periodically computer quiz contests and tests were organized to assess the students’ knowledge. ZP High School is one of the best government schools in Tirupati District and imparts lessons in English medium. At the end of every programme a test will be conducted along with a valedictory function and the top performing students will be awarded with digital tablets. The computer literacy programme at Thondamanadu village received immense support and appreciation from the villagers, students, and parents.
Commenting on this initiative, Mr. Suresh Khandelwal, Chief Operating Officer-Srikalahasthi works said: “We have taken up this as part of our CSR Programme considering the importance of technology in the current socio-economic scenario. The programme has been designed to teach basic computer skills like MS Office applications, navigating websites, e-mail and other social media sites etc. We are committed to improving the livelihood of students and their families and to enable students to get better employment opportunities in the future.
Expressing gratitude to the company, a student at the computer literacy programme, said: “We are grateful to the company for this opportunity. This will definitely support our education and employment journey immensely.”
Over the years, the company has focused on many initiatives with the objective of improving the livelihood of village communities through active CSR in the areas of Health, Education, Empowerment, Infrastructure Development and Sports.
